Grady Miller, thank you. His short story, composed as a series of rejection letters, restored me to life.

November 21, 1968

Dear Poet,

After careful consideration, we have decided that “A Cinnamon Roll in Saigon” simply isn’t right for Flotsam. It seemed both sentimental and manipulative to place the thoughts of the roll in the mind of a young soldier, disillusioned by the war after his bed has been short-sheeted. Best of luck placing it elsewhere. (May we suggest Introspectives, out of Rhode Island?)

Keep the faith,

E.D. DeBris

P.S., The cinnamon roll you included with your manuscript arrived a bit squashed, though it was a thoughtful gesture.